Committee of the Whole Meeting — Agenda Packet

June 1, 2026 Committee of the Whole Agenda 1 City of Lake Geneva, 626 Geneva St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-262.248.3673-www.cityoflakegeneva.gov Committee of the Whole Agenda Monday, June 1, 2026 - 6:00 PM Lake Geneva City Hall; Council Chambers Members: Council President: Cindy Yager Council Vice-President: Cathy Stoodley Alderpersons: JaNelle Powers, Sherri Ames, Linda Frame, Mary Jo Fesenmaier, Brian Smith and Joel Hoiland 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Approval of the Committee of the Whole Minutes from May 4, 2026 5. Comments from the public as allowed by Wis. Stats. §19.84(2). Comments will be limited to 5 minutes. Be further advised that matters brought up at this time may be referred to the appropriate committee or individual for further discussion and consideration. 6. Presentation: The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank - Executive Director Tammy Dunn 7. Presentation: Starting a Parks Foundation - Parks Director David Winger 8. Standing Committee Updates (Personnel, Piers, Harbor and Lakefront & Public Works) 9. Committee, Commission, and Board Updates (Avian Committee, Board of Park Commissioners, Cemetery Board, Hillmoor Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Library Board, Plan Commission, Police & Fire Commission, Tree Board, Tourism Commission, Utility Commission) 10. Council Representatives Serving on Other Boards and Committees Updates (Business Improvement District, Geneva Lake Environmental Agency, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, Geneva Lake Museum, Geneva Lake Use, Lake Geneva Economic Development Corporation, VISIT Lake Geneva). No meeting or materials are posted on the City website. 11. Adjournment A quorum of the Council may be present; however, no official Council action will be taken. Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the City Clerk’s office in advance so that the appropriate accommodations can be made. Page 1 of 13 May 4, 2026 Committee of the Whole Minutes 1 City Of Lake Geneva Committee Of The Whole Minutes Monday, May 4, 2026 - 6:00 PM Lake Geneva City Hall; Council Chambers Call to Order by Chairperson Yager at 6:15 pm. Pledge of Allegiance by Alderperson Stoodley. Roll Call Present: Sherri Ames, JaNelle Powers, Mary Jo Fesenmaier, Linda Frame, Brian Smith (via zoom), Joel Hoiland, Cathy Stoodley and Cindy Yager. Absent: None. Others present: City Administrator Dave De Angelis, City Clerk Lacey L. Reynolds and other interested persons. Approval of the Committee of the Whole Minutes from March 2, 2026 Motion by Stoodley to approve, second by Ames. Voice vote, approved, motion carried. Comments from the public as allowed by Wis. Stats. §19.84(2). Comments will be limited to 5 minutes. Be further advised that matters brought up at this time may be referred to the appropriate committee or individual for further discussion and consideration. Mike Kramp, Alder Fesenmaier, Victoria Ross and Jim Gauger all spoke. Presentation: Business Improvement District – “We Love Local Wednesdays”; Alexandria Binanti, Executive Director, Downtown Lake Geneva BID Director Alex Binanti shared about We love local Wednesday's and the draft promotional postcard. Discussion took place. Presentation: Geneva Lake Museum Update; Janet Ewing, Co-Director of Administration Alder Frame shared about the June 13th event at the museum beginning at 4pm honoring local military heroes. Frame added the military room will be complete by this celebration. Standing Committee Reports. The following Aldermen will be given the opportunity to make announcements or reports at the meeting in regards to committee activities they have been involved in since the last meeting on behalf of the City, future activities and citizen contacts. It is not contemplated that these matters will be discussed or acted on but referrals to the appropriate committees and/or individuals will be made. Personnel Committee-Chair Powers Alder Powers shared the committee met today. Public Works Committee-Chair Stoodley Alder Stoodley shared Broad St construction began today and the HWY 120 construction is ongoing. Piers, Harbor, and Lakefront Committee-Chair Yager Alder Yager announced the hiring of the new Harbormaster, Luke Riesterer and spoke about wake-enhanced sports. Committee, Commission, and Board Reports. The following committee representatives will be given the opportunity to make announcements or reports at the meeting in regards to committee activities they have been involved in since the last meeting on behalf of the City, future activities, and citizen contacts. These matters will be required to be placed on the agenda to comply with Wis. Stats. Utility Commission-Fesenmaier and Smith Alder Fesenmaier shared the utility portion of construction is now underway on HWY 120 and the 2025 consumer confidence report is posted on the Utility Commission website. Tree Board-Ames Alder Ames announced the tree planting in honor of Patrick Quinn was on April 24th. Page 2 of 13 May 4, 2026 Committee of the Whole Minutes 2 Plan Commission-Powers Alder Hoiland shared the Simple Food Group Concept Plan was reviewed. Board of Park Commissioners-Yager Alder Yager reported on discussion about native plantings, a possible sound system at Brunk Pavilion and announced the Dunn Field Pickleball courts grand opening is May 16th from 3-6 pm. Library Board-Ames Alder Ames announced the Smith room construction is on schedule and the library bulletin is now available. Historic Preservation Commission-Powers Alder Powers reported on the Library plaque and other signs will be installed when weather permits. Avian Committee-Frame Alder Powers reported on the dark sky ordinance, the bird city application and the migratory bird day event. Powers also shared the purple martins have returned. Tourism Commission-Fesenmaier and Smith Alder Fesenmaier reviewed where tourism commission money comes from and announced 3 grants were approved. Cemetery Board-Stoodley and Frame Alder Stoodley announced the road construction will begin soon and the cold storage shed and columbarium should be complete before winter. Hillmoor Commission-Yager Alder Yager reported Zone 1 master plan and trails were discussed. Council Representatives Serving on Other Boards and Committees. The following committee representatives will be given the opportunity to make announcements or reports at the meeting in regards to committee activities they have been involved in since the last meeting on behalf of the City, future activities and citizen contacts. These matters will be required to be placed on the agenda to comply with Wis. Stats. *No meeting or materials posted on the City website. VISIT Lake Geneva-Yager Alder Yager announced there are 3 new partners and restaurant week was a success. Geneva Lake Museum-Hoiland Alder Powers reported the annual meeting was last month Lake Geneva Economic Development Corporation-Hoiland and Smith No report. Geneva Lake Environmental Agency-Fesenmaier Alder Fesenmaier reported on the updated signs GLEA will provide to municipalities. Geneva Lakes Family YMCA-Smith Alder Stoodley shared the Y is purchasing property. Geneva Lake Use-Hoiland Alder Fesenmaier reported Geneva Lake USe is still active but is no longer charging municipalities. Business Improvement District-Stoodley Alder Stoodley announced the meeting is this Wednesday. Adjournment Motion by Ames to adjourn, second by Frame. Voice vote, approved, motion carried. Adjourned at 7:25 pm. Lacey L. Reynolds City Clerk Page 3 of 13 Parks F o u n d a t i o n Discussion on Options Page 4 of 13 An Untapped Asset We have something special: lakefront, natural areas, Hillmoor, trails, and engaged residents ready to invest in them. What if we fully realized this potential? Active residents = lower healthcare costs Gathering spaces strengthen social fabric Multi-generational spaces build community memory Build Healthier, Connected Communities Ecological restoration Connected trail systems Thoughtful stewardship Protect What Makes Us Special: Madison’s arboretum & lakefront trails define the city Milwaukee’s lakefront & park system are their signature Create Community Identity: What Great Parks Systems Do Page 5 of 13 What Residents AreReady to Support What Residents Want Most Top Priorities Vision Trail Connectivity Imagine biking safely from downtown to Hillmoor to Big Foot Beach Restored Natural Areas Hillmoor as an ecological showcase AND community asset Connected Experiences Every park linked by trails, signage, and purpose 56% of residents want MORE investment in bicycle facilities 62% currently drive to OTHER communities for recreation (we can win them back) Strong support for conservation and community access working together The Demand The Experience? *Information from 2021-2026 CORP - to be updated by 2026- 2031 CORP* Page 6 of 13 M O D E L S T H A T W O R K M O D E L S T H A T W O R K Learning from Success Stories What Established Foundations Teach Us They think bigger than annual budgets: Major capital campaigns for signature projects Supplement, not replace, City funding What to Know About Fiscal Sponsors T h e y G i v e C o m m u n i t y O w n e r s h i p : D o n o r s s e e s u c c e s s P h i l a n t h r o p y c r e a t e s a d v o c a t e s , n o t j u s t d o l l a r s T h e y B u i l d P e r m a n e n t C a p a c i t y : I n v e s t t o d a y , f u n d m a i n t e n a n c e f o r e v e r S u s t a i n a b l e f u n d i n g t h a t o u t l a s t s a n y b u d g e t c y c l e C r i t i c a l L e s s o n f r o m M i l w a u k e e & M a d i s o n : " M o s t f i s c a l s p o n s o r s o n l y l e t y o u a c c e s s i n t e r e s t e a r n e d o n e n d o w m e n t s , n o t t h e p r i n c i p a l . A l w a y s n e g o t i a t e c o r p u s a c c e s s f o r m a j o r p r o j e c t s , o r b u i l d y o u r o w n f o u n d a t i o n f o r l o n g - t e r m c o n t r o l ” Page 7 of 13 Pros: Start raising funds immediately They handle accounting, tax filings, compliance Professional management Cons: Default: Endowment interest only. Principal access must be negotiated Costs of 1-5% annually Best for: Capital campaigns for specific projects Pros: All funds available for projects Local board makes decisions One-time setup, minimal ongoing fees Cons: Months to establish 501(c)(3) Need quality working board members Setup requires legal, filing, governance documents Best for: Permanent endowments, flexibility T H R E E P A T H S F O R W A R D T H R E E P A T H S F O R W A R D Funding Mechanisms - What Each Enables Start Independent Parks FoundationUse Fiscal Sponsor Designated & Restricted City Fund Pros: Direct city control Project-specific campaigns Simple administration Cons: Some donors prefer giving only to "parks" Fewer grant opportunities (not separate 501c3) Less insulation from budget politics Best for: Supplemental funding, not transformational investment Page 8 of 13 G O V E R N A N C E G O V E R N A N C E Built For Success Parks & Other City Departments The Builders Park Board The Voice of the Community Parks Foundation The Catalyst They ensure: Long-term vision reflects community values All parks serve public interest Projects align with resident priorities Their role with Foundation: Provide strategic direction on what community needs most They deliver: Professional park management Quality maintenance and operations Project implementation Their role with Foundation: Parks Department identifies opportunities and manage Foundation-funded projects They enable: Private philanthropy for public parks Funding beyond annual city budget Donor engagement and stewardship Endowment growth for permanent support Their role: Make possible what tax dollars alone can't fund Page 9 of 13 How It Works inPractice *Only an example* Community identifies a high priority project CORP will help infer this 01 Park Board validates it aligns with system vision Through prioritization matrix 02 Parks Department develops plan and identifies cost of $800k. City, through department recommendation, allocates $300k over 2 years from CIP 03 Parks Foundation raises $500k to accelerate and enhance project 04 Result: Project happens in 2 years instead of 5 and includes better amenities 05 Page 10 of 13 The Opportunity Start Fast, Build Permanent Phase 1: Launch (2026) Launch capital campaign through fiscal sponsor Begin Parks Foundation formation simultaneously Phase 3: Sustainable Future (2032+) Full local control Parks funded for generations Phase 2: Build Momentum (2027-2032) Campaigns deliver visible results Foundation grows and takes root Page 11 of 13 Recruit High Quality Foundation Board Members 0 3 Raise funds, deliver projects, build a lasting legacy, and keep going. H o w W e S t a r t Establish Capital Campaign through Fiscal Sponsor 0 1 0 4 0 2 Form Independent Parks Foundation Immediate actions to begin building Lake Geneva's parks legacy Page 12 of 13 Together This is what we're building toward. More moments like this, made possible by our community. The opportunity is here. The community is ready. Let's build this together. Page 13 of 13